Maehyang-ri Peace Memorial Hall

A special place to learn about peace with your child, Maehyang-ri Peace Memorial Hall

What kind of place is Maehyang-ri Peace Memorial Hall?

Located at 24-46 Goonrian-gil, Ujeong-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Maehyang-ri Peace Memorial Hall is a cultural space created to remember the painful history of Maehyang-ri in Hwaseong, where residents suffered because of a former US military firing range, and to reflect on the meaning of peace. Designed by world-renowned architect Mario Botta, the memorial is known for its striking architecture and symbolism.

Highlights and experiences

• The memorial has 1 basement level and 2 above-ground floors, built around the theme, "The Road to Peace, the Sea of Hope."
• Parts of the original site, including the old firing range building, barbed-wire fence, and entrance guard post, have been preserved so you can experience the atmosphere of that time firsthand.
• Outside, there are memorial spaces, flowing water features, and a commemorative monument where the whole family can reflect on this painful history and the meaning of healing.
• On the 1st floor, there is a children's experience room where kids can naturally learn about the story of Maehyang-ri and the value of peace through activities such as a light maze, building peace towers and houses with blocks, and reading picture books.
• On the 2nd floor, the permanent exhibition hall offers vivid historical learning through displays about the history of Maehyang-ri, traces of its time as a US military bombing training ground, and the residents' struggle and efforts for peace.
• In the special exhibition hall, the special exhibition "Light and Shadow" is scheduled to run until December 31, 2025, and visitors can participate and engage directly.

Why it is great to visit together

• It is a place where you can easily explain war and peace to your kids, while letting them see and experience it for themselves.
• It was designed with a bright, cozy, eco-friendly atmosphere filled with warm natural light for families.
• It is next to Maehyang-ri Peace Ecological Park, so you can park for free at "Maehyang-ri Peace Ecological Park Parking Lot", and also enjoy walking trails, a metasequoia path, hands-on workshops, and other nearby facilities.
• The Maehyang-ri Peace Ecological Park right in front of the memorial is also worth visiting together.
• Through the visit and hands-on experiences, your family can gain a meaningful lesson in how past pain can lead to peace.

Visitor information

• Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM
• Closed: Every Monday, January 1, and the day of Lunar New Year and Chuseok
• The children's experience room, peace exhibitions, and memorial spaces are all open free of charge.

A note for parents

"Maehyang-ri Peace Memorial Hall is more than just a place to learn history. It is a special place where you and your child can truly feel the value of peace and the importance of coexistence together. Without feeling too difficult or heavy, it can become a meaningful day of connection through a variety of experiences and exhibitions."